Three groups of exercises that help senior pets stay active and pain-free include passive range-of-motion exercises, balance and movement exercises, and exercises that maintain large muscle groups like the hamstrings and glutes.

Massage can also be very beneficial to maintain flexibility and movement, as well as to ease sore muscles and joints.

There are lots of other things pet owners can do to help their older dog or cat age comfortably and in good health.

By Dr. Becker

Just as humans need to keep moving and stay active to fully enjoy their senior years, so do older dogs and cats.

The aging process brings with it loss of muscle tone and balance, which can lead to inactivity.

Inactivity leads to weight gain and added stress on joints that are no longer well supported by adequate muscle mass.

It's a bit of a vicious cycle.

Aging leads to inactivity and loss of muscle mass and balance.

Inactivity and loss of muscle mass/balance promotes faster aging, as well as significantly increased risk of injury from slips, trips, falls, strains and sprains.

Some of these activities require the expertise or guidance of an animal physical therapist, but certainly willing pet owners can take their companions out for several short walks each day to promote cardiovascular fitness.

Balance and proprioception (spatial orientation and movement) exercises include use of 'cookie reaches,' which are exercises that help older pets remain flexible while also encouraging improved balance and physical stability.

The cookie reach exercise starts with a dog in a standing position. The goal is to have the dog reach for the cookie without taking any steps. The cookie is offered from various angles to encourage stretching in different directions.

The dog is rewarded with the treat when he achieves the desired position. The exercise can be made more challenging by requiring the dog to hold the position for 10 to 30 seconds.

The Benefits of Massage for Older Pets

When many people think of massage, they imagine lying on their stomach on a not-too-comfy massage table while a professional masseur or masseuse stands over them and aggressively works out the kinks in their back and neck.

Pet massage, especially for older furry friends, is a different animal (pun intended!). As you can see from this short video, the technique for dogs is one of slow, gentle strokes and stretches, combined with light, rhythmic tapping.

Massage techniques for cats are highly dependent on what an individual kitty will put up with. If your cat enjoys being petted and is used to having his tail, paws, and head touched, he's probably a good candidate for massage. If your kitty doesn't enjoy being handled, it's likely massage won't be a healing or comforting experience for him.

Regular massage can help keep your senior pet's muscles toned and reduce the slackening that comes with aging.

Massaged muscles are looser, which makes it much easier for your pet to move around comfortably.

Massages improve circulation and encourage lymphatic drainage.

Regular massage also eases the stiffness of arthritis, which can help your pet maintain his normal gait and active lifestyle.

Massage loosens the muscles around joints, which also helps promote ease of movement.

Other Tips for Helping Your Senior Pet Age Well

There's really a lot you, as the parent of an aging pet, can do to make sure your dog's or cat's later years are active and enjoyable. There are many resources right here at Mercola Healthy Pets that offer advice and tips for families with aging dogs and cats, including: